IGNITE Conference (Lipa)
27 July, 2025
The members of the SDC in Lipa were invited to attend the IGNITE Youth Mentorship Formation Program, hosted by the Episcopal Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis (ECEC) of the Philippines’ Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) and the Evangelion Foundation in partnership with the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Catechetical Institute. The conference took place between the 23rd and the 26th of July at the Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.
Among the attending participants were members of the clergy, religious sisters and laypeople committed in various ministries across the different dioceses of the Philippines, such as Manila, Balanga (Bataan), San Pablo, Jaro (Iloilo), Cebu and Davao. These included parish catechists, youth workers, campus ministers as well as members of organisations such as Couples for Christ.
The keynote speaker for the sessions was Bob Rice, a permanent deacon and professsor at the Franciscan University. The overarching theme of the conference, IGNITE, was explored in the context of forming youth missionaries in faith, friendship and mission. Talks were based on Biblical passages as well as Church documents such as the Directory for Catechesis and Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit. Besides the talks, the attendees gathered together for moments of worship, adoration and informal fellowship.
The SDC in the Philippines is thankful to God and to the organizers from the ECEC for this opportunity which allowed its members to broaden their horizons by getting in touch with different realities from across the country. We pray for this important branch of the Church’s work, and that the youth may be accompanied in their journey with Jesus and empowered to follow his will.
